Around 800 BC Phoenicians settle in present-day Tunisia and found the state of Carthago. Carthago is destroyed during three wars between 246 and 146 BC by the Roman Empire. In 439 the area is conquered by the germanic tribe of the Vandals, which establishes an own state in the area. The East Roman Empire conquers the area in 533 and rule it until 647. That year Arabs take over the area and add it to the Caliphate. De facto the area secedes from the caliphate in the ninth century and diverse Arab and Berber states rule over Tunisia.

In 1574 Tunisia is incorporated into the Ottoman Empire. It becomes a province and in 1705 it becomes under the Bey of Tunisia a de facto independent state, although it recognizes Ottoman suzerainty. Between 1726 and 1821 Tunisia is inside the Ottoman Empire subordinated to Algiers. In 1881 Tunisia becomes a French protectorate. In the protectorate the nationalist Mouvement Constitutionelle (MC) becomes active. The movement becomes illegal and in 1934 the more radical Parti Néo-Destourien (New Constitutional Party, PND) Party is founded by al-Habib ibn Ali Abu Ruqayba (Bourguiba). In 1946 the protectorate becomes associated state in the French Union and in 1956 the protectorate is terminated.

The independent Tunisian Realm is inaugurated that year under king Muhammad al-Amin, Bourguiba becomes prime minister. Tunisia remains a monarchy but in 1957 the monarchy is abolished. Tunisia is renamed Tunisian Republic and becomes under Burkiba and his PND a one-party state. The military is given a defined defensive role, which excludes participation in politics. Starting from independence, Bourgiba places strong emphasis on economic and social development, especially education, the status of women and the creation of jobs. These pragmatic policies contribute to social stability and political stability. Progress toward full democracy is slow. Over the years Bourgiba stands unopposed for re-election several times and is named "President for life" in 1974. The PND, since 1964 Parti Socialiste Destourien (Socialist Constitutional Party, PSD) is the sole legal party.

In 1987 Bourguiba is deposed by his prime minister, Zayn al-Abidin bin Ali (Ben Ali). He promises greater democratic openness and respect for human rights, signing a "national pact" with opposition parties. However, the ruling party, renamed the Rassemblement Constitutionnel Democratique (Constitutional Democratic Rally Party, RCD), continues to dominate the political scene. Ben Ali runs for re-election unopposed in 1989 and 1994 and wins the 1999 elections when he faces two weak opponents. Citizens still do not have full political freedom. There are curbs on the press and on freedom of speech.